BBI public hearings end March

Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) taskforce chairperson Yusuf Haji at Laico Hotel on March 4, 2020, in Nairobi. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) taskforce is set to conclude its public hearings and receiving of written memorandum by end month, the 14-member steering committee has said.

Yesterday, BBI steering committee joint secretary Paul Mwangi said submissions for Nairobi stakeholders chapter will come to an end tomorrow.

Mr Mwangi also hinted at winding up of the BBI rallies that are being spearheaded by ODM leader Raila Odinga by end month.

The conclusion of the public engagements is set to give way for the next phase of the process that is likely to culminate into a referendum before end of this year.

He said the taskforce was aware of two more rallies in Nakuru on March 21 and Nairobi on a date yet to be made public.

“We are winding up. Public hearings for Nairobi stakeholders will end on Tuesday. We expect to close it by end of March,” said Mwangi.

The disclosure hints at a rush to conclude public engagement on the document for a possible referendum before end of this year.

Raila and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka have called for a referendum by June. Raila previously said the ongoing BBI meetings should close by March.

Mwangi said they will continue receiving written submissions after ending the Nairobi hearings.